Court Directs District Administration to Handle Compensation for Stampede Victims, Limits Judicial Commission's Role to General Inquiry
In a significant judgment, the Allahabad High Court has delineated the responsibilities of various authorities concerning compensation claims for deaths caused during stampedes. The court clarified that the District Administration, specifically the Meladhikari, is responsible for addressing individual compensation claims, while the Judicial Enquiry Commission is restricted to investigating the causes and suggesting preventive measures for such incidents.
The case, Sanjay Kumar Sharma v. State of UP, involved a writ petition filed by Sanjay Kumar Sharma, who sought compensation following a stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela. The court's decision, dated April 13, 2026, was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Ajit Kumar and Satya Veer Singh.
The court emphasized that the Judicial Enquiry Commission does not have the jurisdiction to adjudicate individual compensation claims. Instead, its role is to analyze the incident's circumstances, recommend future preventive measures, and report general findings regarding the loss of life and property. The court instructed that individual compensation claims must be submitted to the District Administration, which is tasked with verifying claims through official documents like inquest and postmortem reports, unless disputed by valid evidence.
The judgment comes after an affidavit from the Meladhikari, Kumbh Mela Authority, confirmed that compensation claims had been mistakenly referred to the Judicial Enquiry Commission. The court directed the Meladhikari to resolve compensation claims within 30 days of submission, relying on undisputed evidence such as police and medical reports.
The decision underscores the importance of a clear administrative structure in handling compensation claims, ensuring that victims' families receive timely justice. The court also mandated the Meladhikari to file a compliance report, reinforcing the need for accountability in administrative decisions.
The judgment serves as a crucial directive for state authorities, clarifying the separation of powers between judicial inquiry commissions and district administrations in matters of compensation following public incidents like stampedes.
Bottom Line:
Compensation claims for deaths caused during a stampede must be addressed by the District Administration and not by a Judicial Enquiry Commission. Judicial Enquiry Commissions are limited to examining the causes, preventive measures, and general findings regarding such incidents.
Statutory provision(s): Judicial Enquiry Commissions, Compensation Claims, Administrative Responsibility, Evidence Verification
Sanjay Kumar Sharma v. State of UP, (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2891269
